I camp at the Lake Mary campground. Camping is on a first-come first-served basis, so you'll want to arrive mid-week in the summertime in order to secure a camping spot.
Due to the draught we had this past winter, everything is pretty dry, and the lake's water level is low. I personally would wait until next year to come out.
At Mammoth Lake you also need to keep in mind that snow pack doesn't melt off at the same time every year. Last year we had so much rain, the campground and lakes, didn't open until the second week of July, whereas this year it melted in the early part of June.
To play it safe, I would plan your trip right after the 4th of July. You don't want to wait until August, becasue of the tropical thunder and lightning storms that frequently occur in the vicinity.
While you're in the area be sure to hit the string of lakes all along I-395
starting with Rock Creek, Convict Lake, Mammoth Lake, June Lake Loop: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake, then go to Lundy Lake, Virginia Lake, and finish up with Twin Lakes, in Bridgeport.
The lakes are small, so you can easily paddle them all in a week.
if you have any more questions email me at:
[mail address protected from spambots with javascript]
The Mammoth Lake Visitor's Bureau
www.visitmammoth.com/ will be able to assist you if you want to find a hotel or rent a condo.
Sky